A mobile phone mast approved for Mullaghbawn will be a “game changer” for locals starved of a signal.
Permission has now been granted by Newry, Mourne and Down District Council for the new structure which is aimed at improving mobile phone signals in the village and surrounding areas.
There have been many complaints over recent years over struggles by residents and businesses who have suffered due to network problems.
These were heightened and made all the more apparent during the Covid pandemic, particularly at a time when many were working from home and relied upon a decent connection.
That, now, is what they should get, albeit after some considerable wait, as a result of this approval.
And the decision has been welcomed by Sinn Féin Councillor Áine Quinn.
“Delivering a phone mast for Mullaghbawn and the surrounding areas will be a game changer for local communities,” said the Slieve Gullion representative.
“Access to suitable phone signal is now as essential for rural communities as broadband and other modern services.
“Not only is it a key to helping local businesses thrive but it also ensures that the local community can quickly contact emergency services should they be needed.
“We welcome this positive step forward and hope that the project can move quickly on to the next phase so that these works can see the phone mast delivered as soon as possible.
“Sinn Féin is committed to working for all to deliver better services for our rural communities, to securing a modern, fit for purpose phone network, helping to attract investment into South Armagh to create new jobs and grow the local economy.”
